My experience is different....

I helped a local listee install those airlift springs - and we were able to
get good correction of sagging by doing this:

We did not just install the springs and inflate them to get the lift.

Instead, we used the vanagon jack to raise the vehicle to the correct
height - and then inflated them (at the service station). This "locked" the
springs at the correct amount of extension - elimination of sag.

YMMV.

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy, FMBO in Winnipeg
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay L Snyder" <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 07:00 AM
Subject: Re: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question

> They will not level the van.  I have these installed.  They only lift 1/4"
> when inflated to the maximum rated pressure. This is on an empty '85
Westy.
> They probably help maintain that height when loaded, but do little for
> leveling purposes (side to side).  They are for improved handling when
> loaded (the van, that is).    I would highly recomend them--easy install
> and fairly cheap--but not for the Westy sag.  Sorry.
>
>                                                              Jay
>
>
>
>
> Chris Stann <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>@gerry.vanagon.com> on 12/12/2001 06:52:05
> PM
>
> Please respond to Chris Stann <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
>
> Sent by:  Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
>
>
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> cc:
> Subject:  Re: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question
>
>
> Here's what you want.  An air-bag-type helper.  You can vary your bag
> pressure for different loads and adjust according to need.
>
> http://airlift.r-catalog.com/listparts.asp?mmid=102073&fldnum=0&prod=3
>
> Use the website to find a dealer near you.  I'm getting mine soon.
>
> Chris.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Smola, Tony
> Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 5:39 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question
>
>
> I'm pretty sure that I've decided to shim my 85' Westy 2WD in order to
> level
> her out......sagging rear you know.
>
> Is there a simple template that I can make for the rears?
>
> What material should I use?
>
> How thick of a shim can be installed safely?
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Malibu Tony     85' Westy    1.9L    6 degrees BTDC
>